E-glass Fibre-reinforced Epoxy Research Articles

Glass Fiber-Epoxy Composites with Carbon Nanotube Fillers for Enhancing Properties in Structure Modeling and Analysis Using Artificial Intelligence Technique.

Hybrid composite materials are a form of material that incorporates more than one type of reinforcement into a matrix to attain enhanced qualities. This usually includes the use of nanoparticle fillers in classic advanced composites with fiber reinforcements such as carbon or glass. In the current investigation, the impact of carbon nanopowder filler on the wear and thermal performance of the chopped strand mat E-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composite (GFREC) were analyzed. Multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) fillers were used; they react with the resin system to contribute a significant improvement of properties in the polymer cross-linking web. The experiments were carried out employing the central composite method of design of experiment (DOE). A polynomial mathematical model was created using response surface methodology (RSM). To forecast the wear rate of composites, four machine learning (ML) regression models were built. The study's findings indicate that the addition of carbon nanopowder has a substantial impact on the wear behavior of composites. This is mostly owing to the homogeneity created by the carbon nanofillers in uniformly dispersing the reinforcements in the matrix phase. Results revealed that a load of 1.005 kg, a sliding velocity of 1.499 m/s, a sliding distance of 150 m, and 15 wt % of filler were found to be the optimal parameters for the efficient reduction of specific wear rate. Composites with 10 and 20% carbon contents exhibit lower thermal expansion coefficients than plain composites. These composites' coefficients of thermal expansion fell by 45 and 9%, respectively. If the carbon proportion increases beyond 20%, so will the thermal coefficient of expansion.

Novel Polyalthia Longifolia seed fillers loaded and E-glass fiber-reinforced sandwich epoxy composites

The research aims to develop new polymer composites using Polyalthia longifolia seeds (PLS) particulates-loaded epoxy composites through open layup molding technique with different wt.% of PLS fillers (PLSF) (10, 20, 30,40, and 50 wt. %). As per ASTM standards, the composite specimens were fabricated and carried out the tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and Shore D hardness. Among the different weight percentages of composites, the 30 wt. % of PLSF-loaded epoxy composites exhibited the maximum tensile strength of 18.5 ± 0.5 MPa, compressive strength of 22.5 MPa, the flexural strength of 22 MPa, and Shore D hardness of 92 ± 0.5 SHN. The strength of the 30 wt. of PLSF-loaded epoxy composites was further enhanced by incorporating single layer of 400 GSM E-glass fiber on both sides of the composites and attained the maximum strength of 26.5 ± 0.5 MPa. The PLSF-loaded epoxy composite specimen was carried out the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and found the presence of different functional groups. The surface morphology and elemental compositions of 30 wt. % PLSF-loaded epoxy composite was found through filed emission electron microscope (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The average length of fillers was found as 2.25 ± µm through FESEM. The newly developed PLSF-loaded and E-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy sandwich composites would be used where the strength is less significant.

Thermal Mechanical Property Enhancement with Silicon Carbide Ceramic Filled Composites for Industrial Applications

Epoxy composites with glass fiber reinforcement can be found in the automotive and aerospace industries. In this study, the properties of the epoxy matrix were enhanced by processing composites filled with ceramic particles of silicon carbide (SiC). At first, SiC-filled E-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites/sandwich structures were processed using the hand layup technique. Next, processed composites were characterized using a tensile tester and an Izod impact tester to determine the best mixing ratio of ceramic-embedded epoxy composites. The highest mechanical properties were obtained according to ASTM D638 and D256 standards. Next, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), analysis of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were carried out respectively to find out the presence of functional groups, surface morphology, crystallographic structure, glass transition temperature (Tg) and thermal/material stability of processed composites. In the end, the study elaborates that the mechanical properties of epoxy matrix composites were improved by the addition of SiC ceramic fillers, and among processed composites, 10% SiCE composite carried the highest properties, including the Tg value of 62.8 °C, 69.87 MPa for tensile strength and 57.12 kJ m−1 for impact strength.

Glass Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composites Modified with Graphene Nanofillers: Electrical Characterization

Composites with improved electrical properties created new pathways in electrical engineering industries. In this work, electrical studies conducted on continuous unidirectional E-glass fibre-reinforced epoxy composites modified with three different graphite oxide fillers are discussed. The three different fillers are (i) graphite oxide (GO), (ii) exfoliated graphite oxide (EGO), and (iii) reduced exfoliated graphite oxide (rEGO). Incorporation of GO fillers exhibited significant improvement in the dielectric characteristics of the composites, where it showed 42% enhancement in breakdown strength values. Dielectric constant measurements of GO-filled composites have also demonstrated considerable enhancement in the values where the fillers promoted interfacial and dipolar polarization phenomena in the material. On the other hand, in the case of EGO and rEGO fillers, conducting nature induced from graphitic structure had significantly reduced the dielectric properties of their composites.

Effect of silanised reinforcements on thermal, wear, visco-elastic and fatigue behaviour of stitched E-glass fibre-reinforced epoxy hybrid composite

Carboxyl-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile liquid rubber toughened silicon carbide and stitched E-glass fibre-reinforced epoxy composite has been fabricated and tested for their relative effect on thermal, wear, visco-elastic and fatigue behaviour. The main objective of this present work is to explicate the importance of rubber toughening on high brittle polymer matrix and the need for secondary strengthening to improve properties. The reinforcements were surface-treated using an amine-functional coupling agent for better adhesion and uniform dispersion on matrix. The composites were made using hand layup method and post cured at 120 °C. The addition of micro rubber into epoxy resin improved the fatigue and visco-elastic properties with a marginal decrement in thermal stability and wear resistance behaviour whereas the addition of silicon carbide significantly improved the properties. A highest fatigue life cycle of 12,941 and storage modulus of 7.8 GPa was observed for composite contains 1 and 10 vol% of silicon carbide and micro rubber, respectively. The initial thermal stability of composite, which contains 2 and 10 vol% of reinforcement measures 348 °C and the lowest coefficient of friction of 0.36 and specific wear rate of 0.028 mm3/Nm. The Scanning electron microscope images illustrate uniform dispersion and improved adhesion of silane surface-modified reinforcements in epoxy matrix. These high toughness polymer composites could be used in high load-bearing engineering applications wherever possible.

Role of Surface Functionalized Crystalline Nano-silica on Mechanical, Fatigue and Drop Load Impact Damage Behaviour of Effective Stacking Sequenced E-glass Fibre-reinforced Epoxy Resin Composite

This present investigation deals the role of surface functionalized crystalline nano-silica addition into epoxy resin on fatigue, fracture toughness and drop load impact damage behaviour with various stacking sequence of E-glass fibre. The main objective of this current investigation was revealing the importance of surface-functionalized crystalline nano-silica particle in E-glass fibre reinforced epoxy composite. Crystalline nano-silica of 20nm and E-glass fibre of 600 GSM was used as reinforcements. Both the particles and fibre was surface-functionalized using 3-Aminopropyletrimethoxyle (APTMS) via wet solution method. The hybrid composites were prepared via hand layup technique with different fibre stacking sequence. The mechanical results revealed that fibre pattern of L-A-L with 1.0vol.% of nano-silica gave highest tensile and flexural strength. The fatigue results revealed that the addition of 0.5 vol.% crystalline nano-silica into glass-epoxy composite (ES1) gives highest fatigue life cycle of 38544 in 50% of tensile stress. Similarly, the fracture toughness results revealed that a highest fracture toughness of 31.5 MPa was observed for composite designation ES2. The composite, which contains 1.0vol.% of surface functionalized crystalline nano-silica with L-A-L fibre pattern gives very high drop load impact resistance. Thus for high strength structural applications, automobile, aircraft and sports related applications these composites could be more suitable and replaced.

Application of Failure Criteria in Aeronautical Sandwich Structure Composites with a Central Hole Subjected to Bending Testing

Abstract This study aimeds at investigating the mechanical behavior of an E-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin of a laminated composite sandwich with honeycomb core and a central hole, used in the aeronautics industry submitted to bending loading. Three analytical failure models applied to laminated composites were compared in order to study the influence of stress concentration due to a central hole. The following criteria were assessed: Average Stress Criterion (ASC), Point Stress Criterion (PSC) and the Inherent Flaw Model (IFM). These models were applied to experimental data obtained in a four-point bending test in samples of the sandwich laminate. Finally, modifications on failure prediction models were proposed and appied in sandwich laminates with a central hole. The results obtained showed the applicability of the proposed formulation and that the suggested changes to the model more adequately fit it to the experimental data.

Single and repeated low-velocity impact response of E-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy and polypropylene composites for different impactor shapes

This study focuses on the effects of low-velocity impact (LVI) response of thermoset (TS) and thermoplastic (TP) matrix-based composites. In this study, the effects of the impactor shapes on the low-velocity impact response of the composite panels that produced from different matrix was investigated. Unidirectional E-glass fiber fabrics with an areal density of 300 g/m2 as reinforcement and epoxy matrix were used to produce TS composite. The vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM) method was used to manufacture composite panels. The thermoplastic composites were manufactured with E-glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene prepregs. The tensile strength of TS matrix-based composites is higher than TP matrix-based composites that have the same fiber volume fraction. Despite being under the same impact energy, the TP specimens possess higher perforation threshold than TS specimens. The shape of the impactor significantly affected the perforation threshold. Besides, the impact number that caused perforation reduced dramatically in conical impactor. The repeated impact number that caused perforation is 36 for hemispherical (HS) impactor, but it is only 3 for conical impactor for polypropylene matrix-based composite. Moreover, a significant effect of fiber volumetric ratio on impact resistance was observed. The perforation threshold of glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites for 40% and 50% fiber volume fraction are 61 and 98 J, respectively. The perforation threshold of TP and TS specimens for HS impactor that has the same stacking sequence is 61 and 55 J, respectively.

Evaluation of mechanical properties of e-glass and aloe vera fiber reinforced with polyester and epoxy resin matrices

PurposeThe need for seeking alternate materials with increased performance in the field of composites revived this research, to prepare and evaluate the mechanical properties of e-glass and aloe vera fiber-reinforced with polyester and epoxy resin matrices.Design/methodology/approachThe composites are prepared by hand layup method using E-glass and aloe vera fibers with length 5-6 mm. The resin used in the preparation of composites was epoxy and polyester. Fiber-reinforced composites were synthesized at 18:82 fiber–resin weight percentages. Samples prepared were tested to evaluate its mechanical and physical properties, such as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, hardness and scanning electron microscope (SEM).FindingsSEM analysis revealed the morphological features. E-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composite exhibited better mechanical properties than other composite samples. The cross-linking density of monomers of the epoxy resin and addition of the short chopped E-glass fibers enhanced the properties of E-glass epoxy fiber-reinforced composite.Originality/valueThis research work enlists the properties of e-glass and aloe vera fiber-reinforced with polyester and epoxy resin matrices which has not been attempted so far.

Role of silanized magnetic Fe2O3 particle in heat dissipation and microwave shielding behavior of E-glass fibre-reinforced epoxy resin composite

In this present work importance of adding silanized fine Fe2O3 particle into E-glass fibre-reinforced epoxy composites in microwave shielding and heat dissipation behavior was studied. The principal aim of this work is explicating the need of Fe2O3 particles in microwave shielding effectiveness of epoxy composite. Particle of dimensions 800, 200 and <100 nm were used for this study with silanized condition. Composites were prepared with 0.5 and 1.0 vol% of Fe2O3 particles along with 30 vol% of E-glass fibre. The dielectric constant of 6.7 was observed for composite designation RFI1 at 100 Hz (polarization frequency). Heat dissipation factor was increased with increase of frequency and particle content. Maximum wave attenuation percentage of 36.2 was observed for composite designations RFI1 and RFI22 in ‘J’ band region with highest magnetic permeability of 0.3. These mechanically and electromagnetically strengthened shielding materials could be used as microwave shielding helmet to prevent brain related hazards for peoples who are working in high electromagnetic radiation. Similarly more heat dissipation with high mechanical strength material could be used to fabricate storage containers where constant warm up is required.

Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour of Chopped E-Glass Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composite Materials

Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour of Chopped E-Glass Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composite Materials

Inter laminar shear strength behavior of acid, base and silane treated E-glass fibre epoxy resin composites on drilling process

Abstract In this present work siliconized e-glass fibre reinforced epoxy resin composite has been prepared and compared with acid and base treated e-glass fibre epoxy composites to know the significant advantage of silane treatment on fibre. The composites were fabricated by laying 20, 30 and 40vol% of e-glass fibre into epoxy resin matrix. The e-glass fibre woven mat was surface treated by an amine functional coupling agent 3-Aminopropyletrimethoxysilane (APTMS). The fibres were surface treated by aqueous solution method and thermo assisted to create silinol groups. Similarly for acid treatment H 2 SO 4 and base treatment NaOH with 1N concentration was used for surface treating the fibres. Effectiveness of silane treatment on glass fibre was compared by inter laminar shear strength test according to ASTM D 2344. Drilling process with varying diameter drill bit and varying cutting speed was applied to check the composites for their delamination resistance while machining. Maximum improvement of 15%, 12.5% and 9% (20, 30 and 40vol %) on ILSS was achieved for siliconized e-glass fibre reinforced epoxy composites. The scanning electron microscopy images revealed that no fibre pull out was present on fractured surfaces of composites which contains siliconized e-glass fibre. Similarly better dimensional accuracy was achieved on drilling process for composites contains siliconized e-glass fibre.

Influence The Arrangement of Hybridization on Parameters of Crash Worthiness

The paper presents an experimental study on the quasi-static lateral crush performance of metal–composite hybrid tubes containing a filament-wound E-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy over-wrap around cylindrical metal tubes. The quasi-static lateral crush resistance of the hybrid tubes is compared in terms of the maximum load, mean crush load, crush energy, and specific energy absorption. The deformation modes effect of these tubes is described by the arrangement of hybridization on crashworthiness parameters.

Comparative investigations on three-body abrasive wear behavior of long and short glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites

The purpose of this investigation is to determine the three-body abrasive wear behavior of long and short E-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites in abrasive environment, subjected to designed experimental setup. A mathematical model for damage assessment in three-body abrasion is developed and validated by a well-designed set of experiments. The design of experiment using Taguchi’s orthogonal array is applied to find out minimum specific wear rate. Steady state condition is also applied to find minimum specific wear rate for particular weight fraction keeping other parameters as constant. The experimental results show that the abrasive wear of the composites shows dependence on parameters like applied load, sliding speed, and abrasive particle size. Wear rate of long as well as short glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites increases with increase in normal load and abrasive particle size, whereas the wear rate decreases up to 40 wt.% of fiber loading and then further increases with increase in sliding speed. The SEM micrograph studies reveal the dynamics of three-body abrasive wear and underlying micro-mechanisms that serve as determinant for wear performance of such composites. The three-body abrasive wear rate in given formulation increases with normal load and abrasive particle size. The mechanical characteristics observed a positive trend with the increase in fiber composition and also help in analyzing the specific wear rate of composites.

Modelling flaming combustion in glass fibre-reinforced composite laminates

A heat transfer model based on the well-known Henderson equation has been modified to allow for self-sustained ignition and the flaming combustion phenomena of E-glass fibre-reinforced epoxy composites to be predicted from first principles using known thermal-physical and thermodynamic data for their constituents. The modifications consider: (1) the assignment of thermodynamic conditions (e.g. ignition temperature and mass flux of volatiles) necessary and sufficient to trigger self-sustained ignition, and (2) the inclusion of an integrated loop allowing the heat energy generated from the flaming combustion process to be fed back into the burning laminate. The model compares moderately well with experimental results obtained from cone calorimetric measurements. The additional modelling capabilities considered in this study provide the basis for an analytical model that can more accurately predict the thermal response and flaming combustion of glass fibre-reinforced polymer composites exposed to a one-sided radiant heating environment in the presence of an ignition source.

Adhesion and Friction of E-Glass Fiber-reinforced Epoxy Composites for Tribo-applications

Adhesion and friction of E-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy (E-GFRE) composites were studied using pin-on-disc tester. The worn surfaces of the composites were examined using scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the wear resistance of E-GFRE composites can be improved by inserting approximately 5–10 wt% C-filler loading. Above 10 wt%, the wear mass loss increased linearly with increasing C-filler loading. The reinforcing C-filled E-GFRE composites have almost the same friction coefficient as the pure epoxy matrix which increased slightly on increasing C-filler loading. From the SEM microscopy observation, the main wear mechanisms for pure E-GFRE composites were plastic deformation, abrasive wear, and fatigue wear.

Wear and friction behaviour of soft particles filled random direction short GFRP composites

The random direction short E-glass fibre reinforced epoxy resin composites filled with the particles of mica and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) were prepared by hand lay-up method. The wear and friction behaviour of random direction short E-glass fibre reinforced epoxy resin (GFRP) composites sliding against AISI-1045 steel in a pin-on-disc configuration were evaluated on a TR-20LE wear and friction tester. The microhardness, density, tensile strength and compressive strength of the filled and unfilled mica as well as TCP particles were determined. The morphology of the worn surfaces of the unfilled and filled random E-glass fibre composites and the transfer films were analyzed with the scanning electron microscope. It was found that the particles as the fillers contributed significantly to improve the mechanical properties and wear resistance of the E-glass fibre. This was because the particulates as the fillers contributed to enhance the bonding strength between the fibre and the epoxy resin. Moreover, the wear and friction properties of the random E-glass fibre composites were reduced by increasing filler weight of particles.

Effects of wheat starch on erosive wear of E-glass fibre reinforced epoxy resin composite materials

Erosive wear tests were carried out to study the effects of particle, impingement angle and particle velocity on the solid particle erosion behaviour of E-glass fibre reinforced epoxy resin (GFRP) composites. The erosive wear of wheat flour powder filled composites is evaluated at different impingement angles from 30° to 90° and at three different velocities of 24, 35 and 52 m s −1. The erodent used is silica sand with the size range 150–250 μm of irregular shapes. The result shows erosive wear rates of GFRP composite with 2 g wheat flour, as filler is the lowest. This restricts fiber-matrix debonding. Pure glass epoxy without any filler shows the highest erosion rate due to weak bonding strength. The morphologies of eroded surface were examined by the scanning electron microscope.

Loading Rate Sensitivity of Glass Fiber–Epoxy Composite at Ambient and Sub-ambient Temperatures

Little information regarding the effect of weight fraction of constituent phases of freeze–thaw response in polymer composites at different loading rates and temperatures has been published to date. The present experimental study uses a 3-point flexural test to qualitatively assess such effects for 55, 60, and 65 weight percentages of E-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites during cryogenic and after thawing conditions. The specimens were tested at a range of 0.5–500 mm/min crosshead speed to evaluate the sensitivity of mechanical response during loading at ambient and sub-ambient temperatures (80°C temperature). These shear strength values are compared with the testing data of as-cured samples. The findings are explainable at a lower range of crosshead speed. The data obtained at higher loading rate suggest further investigation to establish the nature.

Ballistic Penetration of Compressively Loaded Composite Plates

The effects of ballistic penetration on woven E-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy laminates subjected simultaneously to in-plane compressive loading were investigated. A portable hydraulic press and fixture was designed to apply compressive preloads during ballistic penetration. A civilian version of the US Army ’s M4 carbine was used for the ballistic tests where penetration velocities were well above the ballistic limit for 5.56 mm projectiles. Compression-only data were initially obtained to characterize the various modes of damage. Samples without simultaneous compressive preload were subjected to ballistic penetration alone and then compressively loaded to failure. Finally, samples that had previously undergone ballistic testing at varying levels of compressive preloads were loaded in compression to determine the residual compressive failure strength. For simultaneous loading, samples were subjected to a specified compressive preload while a projectile was fired through the center of the sample. This study finds that the effect of simultaneous preload and ballistic penetration results in a greater extent of damage propagation than for ballistic penetration alone, increasing the possibility of initiating buckling failure of the loaded plate. The equivalent ballistic limit velocity for a given laminate and thickness is also likely to be reduced with increasing preload in composite laminates.